THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON DEGREE SHOW | THE ‘FEARLESS’ EXHIBIT

The Hausie team attended the opening night of University of Northampton’s art show to see the collective works from the emerging talent of today. The show, entitled ‘Fearless’, showcases work from departments across the art school, with innovative pieces from courses varying from architectural technology to textile design. The University put together an inspiring collection of work, with each artist utilising their talents to express unique narratives and explore thought-provoking concepts. Here are the Hausie highlights!

Photographer Qunhan Xu’s collection of autobiographic self-portraits explores different aspects of the cultural and social expectations imposed on individuals growing up and living in China. Quanhan produces a 5 piece series to reflect on different facets of her life. Each print is visually striking and suggestive of a powerful underlying narrative, of which each has poignant message to relay. In the image shown, Xu reflects on the limitations on freedom of speech she experienced growing up in Chinese society.

A compelling interactive exhibition by Kirsty Harvey requires exhibition attendees to don a pair of 3D glasses to fully immerse themselves in her stereoscopic paintings. Clashing hues and layers with the added stereoscopic depth challenges the viewers vision as they become immersed in the apocalyptic scenes depicted. This sensation is greatly intensified when wearing the 3D glasses, which enables the brain to perceive three dimensional depth from the two dimensional images painted.

In an exploration of the relationship between light, space and surface, Hollie Longland’s structural pieces allows the viewer to appreciate carefully selected colour combinations and their ability to transform their surrounding environment. Longland uses florescent lighting encased in coloured sleeves, resulting in a bleed of colour onto the surface of the walls. The work effectively transforms light and dark spaces into pictorial and sculptural formations, focusing on the artist’s endeavours to create atmospheric environments.

Inspired by beauty and the sublime of our natural world, Katie Yates’ resin pieces draw the eye into a realm of hypnotising colour and movement. Following her belief that the most truly harmonious colour combinations are found within nature, Yates draws inspiration from colour compositions observed during her travels around the world. The artist holds a particular fascination with water, which is mirrored in the free movement seen in her work.

The beginning of Yates’ construction process is very much about precision. From cutting the perspex and mixing the pigments with resin, accuracy is key. Once this technical part is complete, Yates allows her artisanal skills to give way to a more naturally informed process. “I have learnt over time that the best work is created when the material is free to move and blend naturally, rather than being controlled” says the artist, a technique which lends itself to Yates’ enchantingly fluid pieces.

Going back to the human narrative, artist Marie Byrne’s collection ‘For the Love O’ Labour’ pays respect to the hard work and physical commitment of the labourers who build our roads, homes and cities. Byrne adopts oil paint in a classical manner and incorporates the use of tar and other materials used on the roads to create her pieces. This juxtaposition of the beauty and grandeur of oil painting with the normality of the road materials gives a sense of glorification. This effect lends itself to Byrne’s vision by allowing the viewer to perceive the understated beauty of these materials.

Her works act as a tribute, giving artistic form to the legacy left behind by the labourers who have laid the foundations to our modern world.

Delving into the realms of the mind and subconscious, Rose Phillips explores the similarities and separations of the mind and brain. Using mono-printing on tissue paper, the delicacy of the work is indicative of the fragility of the brain. The tissue paper is adorned with lines and patterns formed through an intricate inking process. The movement and imperfection of the ink correlates with the spontaneity and lucidity of the mind.

Intrigued by the seemingly autonomous expressions of creativity which can be found in doodles and sketches, the artist began to research links between the brain and this spontaneous way of drawing.

Photographer Charlotte Walter looked to the skies for inspiration for her collection ‘Sous La Lune’. This compelling exhibit of photography is centred around a spherical installation, with the moon projected onto the sphere. Depending on where you are standing, you can observe the moon in one of its different phases. Charlotte’s collection of photography expresses a cognitive journey, exploring the psychological convictions associated with the different phases of the moon.

The Degree Show will be exhibiting until June 21st at the Maiden, Avenue Campus, Northampton.

With special thanks to all the students from the University of Northampton for their inspirational work and exhibition.